digitize
DIJ-ih-tyz
/ˈdɪdʒ.ə.taɪz/
To convert physical information, text, or signals into a digital binary format readable by computers.
Specifically refers to converting physical formats (paper, tape) into digital files.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'digitus' (finger), used for counting on hands. 'Digit' came to mean numbers 0-9, and 'digitize' emerged in the 1950s with binary computer encoding.
Word relationships
- scan: Refers strictly to optical image capture rather than overall system conversion.
- encode: Focuses on signal transformation into data representations.
- print: Converting digital data into tangible ink on paper.
Commonly confused with
- digitalize: Digitize is converting content; digitalize is converting an entire operational process.
Word family
- digitization (noun): The process of converting to digital format
- digital (adjective): Expressed in binary digits
Collocations
- digitize records
- digitize curriculum
- fully digitize
Example sentences
- "The university library moved to digitize rare historical manuscripts for online access." Library Archives
Memory hook
DIGIT = Count on fingers, turn into 0s and 1s. Paper into pixels.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'digitalize', which means transforming entire business models using tech.
Fun facts
- The word 'digit' means finger because early humans used ten fingers as basic counting units.
Explore more words
Digital, transcribe, preservation, preserve, conceptualize, modernize
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